One could say that history was made on Sunday, August 27, 2017, when team members, Health Minister the Most Honorable Dr. Christopher Tufton and visually impaired opposition senator Dr. Floyd Morris lead the 2017 Good Samaritan Inn (GSI) 5k Run/Walk. 

Approximately 600 individuals showed their support at the 6th annual staging of the event organized by the Andrews Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The race which began at the church’s location on Hope Road took runners, walkers, and wheelchair participants to Trafalgar Road, through New Kingston, on to Lady Musgrave, then finally ending at the starting point.

Health Minister Dr. Tufton, who has recently created a buzz in the nation through the launch of the ‘Jamaica Moves’ Campaign, expressed in an interview with NCU Media’s Acting Manager Arnold Kelly, his reason for getting involved. 

“It's important to lead by example, the message is critical… Physical activity and a healthy diet are critical to the sustainability of personal health”, he explained. 

Patron of this year's event, Dr. Floyd Morris, was honored to have been a part of the event.

“I'm a firm believer in good health, and exercise is a part of it.” 

Morris went on to share his view on the GSI initiative. 

“As a member of the church, I firmly believe in that whole mission... and once you call health and education, you call my name.” 

Elder Vermont Murray, manager of the Good Samaritan Inn, was pleased with how the day turned out. 

“God has been good to us, we have gotten good weather, good numbers and good support from the minister and our patron.” 

Murray continued by explaining how the proceeds garnered from the event would help those most in need, not just those that visit the Inn. 

“We realize that the Good Samaritan Inn alone cannot satisfy the needs, so other charities like Missionaries of the Poor, the Open Arms Drop in Centre and hopefully others can benefit this year. 

“We are really grateful for our sponsors, our hard-working volunteers, and our workers,” he concluded.

Kemar Leslie, last year's champion, was overjoyed after repeating his win. In sharing his reason for participating again in the GSI 5k he said,

“In life, you have to be a Good Samaritan, you can't pass people by, I came to support the cause”. 

Female champion Karlene Blagrove expressed that her training leading up to the race was not the best, but it was good enough.

“I'm happy for the win… we always support a good cause and the name says it all, so we're here to give back, said Blagrove. 

Without resting, both Tufton and Morris persevered to cross the finish line together. Running close by with the duo was Secretary of the Jamaica Union Conference, Dr. Meric Walker. 

When asked how was the race, Minister Tufton didn't hesitate to respond.

“Excellent run, it was easy. I ran with Floyd, it was the first time I was piloting somebody… but he was a very good partner with good conversation”. 

Senator Floyd Morris, was also eager to share his excitement.

“It has been absolutely fantastic, I would do it all over again”

“We are fulfilling the mission of the church, which is to care for the most vulnerable and needy within our society. I am happy to be associated with this venture”, Morris continued.

Many of the participants some of which came along as a team representing their companies, businesses, and churches, have made it their point of duty to attend every year, aiding in the annual success of the event. 

The Good Samaritan Inn was established in 2007 by the East Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists & Adventist lay-persons Services & Industries (ASI) to assist the needy & homeless by providing food, clothing, shelter, health services & loving care.

Click Here for Photo Highlights.